Increase in number of UK eggs packed

6.8 million cases of eggs were packed in UK egg packing stations during the second quarter of 2014, which is a 2% increase on last quarter, according to a quarterly update published by Defra.

The increase continues the upward trend seen over the past year, pushing production back up towards the high levels last seen in 2011.

Egg production is expected to continue increasing in the coming months. Recent increases have been seen in the number of layer chick placings which indicate a larger laying flock once these chicks reach maturity, and hence, increased egg production.

The average UK farm-gate egg price through Q2 2014 is 85.4 pence per dozen, continuing the steady price decreases seen since the peak of 92.2 pence per dozen in Q1 2013.

The volume of eggs processed during the second quarter of 2014 totalled 28,000 tonnes. The production of liquid egg and egg products increased by 19% compared to the same period the previous year.